I've long since given up trying to understand why bad stuff happens to good people.  All I do know is, when it does, those who care should pull together and do what they can to help... which probably isn't much in the scheme of things.

Last Friday evening, MagicPaddler lost his wife, Nancy, in a tragic traffic accident in Knoxville, TN.  See:   (You need to Login or Register .

I really have no further details at this time.  What I do know is that Nancy was a wonderful and caring woman who I got to know a little bit over the phone that time that Magic's GPS unit malfunctioned (during a "Bushwhackers Jamboree," as I recall).  I was "tracking him" - as was she - and then, early on, he "disappeared."  We put out an "APB" of sorts on him via the canoeing bulletin boards & forums and, eventually, he was located.  We talked often during that time; she was a "gem."  MagicPaddler was/is a very lucky man.  They have a very fine family of which he is very proud as I have learned over many campfires shared across many years.

We don't "post" a lot of this sort of thing on QJ.  I am sure there have been tragedies experienced by many other board members that, perhaps, we don't even know about.  I offer my regrets where that has been the case.  However, we DO know about this one, which comes as a huge shock for those of us who know Magic and his family. 

I thought the QJ community would want to know.  You might wish to keep Magic and his family in your hearts and prayers.

FYI

Jimbo  8-)

Thanks, Jimbo.
My condolences to MP and his family.

Funeral arrangements have been set for Saturday, February 18th.

  (You need to Login or Register was posted by the family.

We all need to keep Lawrence and his family in our prayers today and as they work through their grief.

dd

(Thanks for the correction OS.)

Correction: February 18. Thanks for posting this information guys. Lawrence is truly loved, respected, and appreciated around here on QJ. We are beginning to formulate a plan to carpool QJers, originating in the Twin Cities and following the interstates to Chicago for the visitation and funeral. If you have interest in going this route, please post here or email, pm me. I'll do what I can to coordinate logistics.

Other carpools could originate from other places to get folks to Chicago...

We all join together in praying for Lawrence and his family as they work through this awful tragedy.

I posted on the bwca board too. I also put in to Ted and Bear to see if they couldn't slip his canoe ahead a bit so I could run it out and try to cheer him up. I don't worry about him too much with family there... but eventually they will go home... That's when he'll need his friends to step up. Also the idea of a group going to the funeral is a good... no... great idea. Let me know. Call or text 218-421-8800. I'm considering... Please keep me in the loop if you have room.

While it's still early in process, my hunch is that we will travel I-94 out of Twin Cities sometime on Friday, headed to Chicago. Likely places we will travel through include EauClaire, Tomah, Portage, Madison, & Milwaukee. If you live in proximity and wish to carpool, please let us know.

The return will be late Saturday or Sunday.

We will share expenses and driving as needed. Thanks.

Thanks Jimbo for letting MP's paddling community friends know.  My heart goes out to MP and his family and I will offer up a few prayers to console their grief.  A terrible tragedy, but unfortunately, the Lord calls us home when he is ready, not when we are.  Many sympathies MP.   :'(  Safe travels to those of you that are able to make the trip and support him.

pd

Sincere prayers from Kentucky to MP and those he's invited as members of his own beloved community. May they find courage and strength of spirit to endure the days ahead.

- kypaddler

We will need to finalize travel plans by Thursday evening.

Please continue to use this forum to express condolences and memories. I'm sure Lawrence will appreciate our standing with him in his loss. There is no way to explain or understand why something like this happened. Extremely bad.

That just really sucks.  My condolences to MP and his family.  That one is gonna take awhile.

We never really recover from the loss of someone close.  But we do eventually learn to move on.  The best I can do is offer condolences and a heartfelt wish for healing and the support of family and close friends.

Dave

So sorry to hear the loss. MP is a great guy.  Prayers for Lawrence and family for comfort and healing during this very difficult time...
Tim

I almost did not open this thread because I just could not deal with another tragedy right now. I am glad I did.  Thanks to all for the support.  I am doing better now, two of the people I hugged today did not make me ball.

Magic, I am so sorry to hear about your loss!  A sudden and unexpected death of your loved one just completely takes your legs out from under you.  Take it easy, it will take quite a while to recover from the grief.  We all do recover, but at first you think you can't/won't.  I know you will.  Eventually the pain and longing go away and your life settles again as you accept the new reality.  I have a great fondness for you and hope we will be able to get together for more paddling sometime.  Meanwhile you will be strong and my sincerest condolences to you and your family.  Vicki

I’ve been struggling to find the words that can adequately express my condolences for this tragedy. To speak to the unspeakable is so difficult. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Lawrence.
Scott

MP, very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences during this very difficult time. I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Ranger

Hang in there MP! I found out through Ben and can't express enough support for you and your family during this difficult time. I can only say that I lost one of my favorite cousins who is from Tennessee about 3 years ago and it was tough. No other words for this except to say you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  This is an unspeakable tragedy for anyone to experience, and our hearts go out to you at this time.  Hold on to the memories and lean on your friends and your family for strength.  May God be with all of you in the days and weeks ahead.

The Spartans

My thoughts and prayers are with you MP.  So sorry to hear of this sudden loss.

My condolences and prayers go out to Lawrence and his family during this most difficult time.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Pat

Uff da. Sorry for your loss Magic. Wow.

So, did a group of you guys go to the visitation and funeral?

I wish we could have been there.  I have sent a memorial gift to the arboretum and emailed Magic about it, so I hope he receives word of it.  I don't have his address to send a sympathy card.

My thoughts and prayers have been with him and his family all weekend long.

Jimbo, kingfisher, Dee Dee, oh crap I forgot his moniker... Zski?. Quinten and a me...
Anyway, very nice service. Lawrence and his family did an amazing job. He has good people around him. Lawrence is good people!

Thank everyone for their words of support and I was surprised to see so many people made the trip to support me. I wish I had time to visit but there were many to greet. I did not get to greet and thank everyone who came to support me. If you were there and I missed you thank you for coming.

  (You need to Login or Register   (You need to Login or Register
Who I married. November 3 1973

  (You need to Login or Register   (You need to Login or Register
Who we lost

She was a beautiful lady Magic. I'm sure you have many great memories.